Job done as Kotze makes most of Dakar experience

Eric Kotze has concluded his Youth Olympic campaign, signing off with a third final in as many events. The 17-year-old finished fourth in the 50m backstroke final, fifth in the 50m butterfly and eighth in the 50m freestyle. Despite missing out on the medals, Kotze was delighted with his performances after leaving the pool for the last time in Dakar.

“I gave it my best shot and although I did not medal at this competition, I am extremely proud of myself and more fired up than I have ever been. This experience has motivated me to get back to training and to work harder to reach that next level. I am feeling great!”

Kotze went on to explain that the medals were not his primary goal heading into the Youth Olympics. “My goal certainly was to reach each final and I am very happy I achieved that. On such a big stage with many new competitors, it is easy to get distracted and lose sight of your own goals.”

The young athlete, who swims for Stellenbosch Aquatics, certainly followed through with his goal of internal focus as his time of 26.16sec in the 50m backstroke final was a personal best which saw him miss out on bronze by 0.25sec.

Although he missed out on the podium by fingertips, Kotze’s fire was still raging. “This has been an experience that I know I will carry with me and cherish for the rest of my swimming career. The atmosphere and the people I have met have been amazing, and I am going to spend my final few days here doing my best to absorb as much as I can.”

Kotze remains one of South Africa’s brightest talents in the water, with steady progression from the 2025 African Youth Games to the 2026 Youth Olympics. The next steps up on the ladder will be closely watched and there will certainly be many more medals for Kotze to chase in the coming years.

Also on Thursday, Equestrian Bo Reed, riding on Carrera De Groom, was placed first in her Round B qualifier, with zero penalty points (jumps or time) against her name.

She finished her run with a time of 69.14 – a significant improvement from her 109.85 in Round A.

She will compete in the final on Friday and is one of the gold medal favourites.

Swimmer Chanel Veldsman qualified for the final of the 50m breaststroke with a second-place finish in the morning heats with a time of 32.72. She finished in sixth place in the final with a time of 32.86.

She finished her programme in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with three finals out of three and two medals – a silver and a bronze.